The One of a Kind Show, held in April and December each year, can be your best opportunity to sell to tens of thousands of affluent consumers who value handmade work and love to shop! The award winning show boasts an ideal downtown Chicago location, a premium indoor exhibiting environment, and unparalleled marketing and promotional opportunities.

Artists, designers and makers with high quality, handmade, original work are invited to apply to be a part of the One of a Kind experience! Eligible work ranges from giftable craft to premium fine art. Applications will be juried and chosen based on uniqueness, craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Held in a premium indoor environment with all inclusive hard wall booth package in the heart of downtown Chicago

Top ranked on the Sunshine Artist's 200 Best list and by ArtFairCalendar.com

Important Dates and Deadline
January 1, 2019 Application is open/available
May 8, 2019 Deadline to apply
May 13, 2019 Jury selection
May 24, 2019 Notifications of participation status (accepted, waitlisted, declined)
May 31, 2019 Deadline for Invited artists to select "Accept" your application
June 5, 2019 Invited artists who selected "Accept" will recieve an emailed contract link
June 12, 2019 Deadline for submitting online contracts with 1st payment to ensure participation
October 2019 Booth assignments/show information emailed to artists
November 1, 2019 Deadline for pre-show discount on operational needs
December 3, 2019 Move-In and set-up for show begins
December 5, 2019 Show opens

Acceptance Criteria for Artists (Non Emerging Artist)
Artists work, booth design and application information will be juried based on quality, authenticity, uniqueness, salability, booth presentation and overall balance of show categories. To be considered, you must meet the following requirements.

You must be the artist/designer of your work

You must be the original creator/assembler/producer/maker of your work

You must understand and have mastered the craft process needed to make your craft

You must be intimately involved in the production process from start to finish

You must create/produce your work in the county in which you reside

Artists may have limited production assistants/apprentices as long as the orginal artist is on-site and involved in the production as stated above

Reproduction aids such as molds used in jewelry or ceramics must be created by the applying artist

For fine artists: signed and numbered limited editions will be permitted

Fair Trade work is not eligible for participation

Booth sharing is not permitted

Acceptance Criteria for Emerging Artists
The One of a Kind Show will be including emerging artists in this year’s holiday show. The designated spaces will be dedicated to talented up and coming artists, designers and makers. To be considered, you must meet the following requirements:

First time participant in the One of a Kind Show

Less than 3 years of professional experience as a full time artist (installations, exhibitions and/or art shows)

Exceptional work and presentation

You must be the artist/designer of your work

You must be the original creator/assembler/producer/maker of your work

You must understand and have mastered the craft process needed to make your craft

You must be intimately involved in the production process from start to finish

You must create/produce your work in the county in which you reside

Artists may have limited assistants/apprentices as long as the orginal artist is on-site and involved in the production as stated above

Reproduction aids such as molds used in jewelry or ceramics must be created by the applying artist

For fine artists: signed and numbered limited editions will be permitted

Application Process
All applications must be submitted online through Zapplication at www.zapplication.org. To be considered you will be asked to do the following:

Create an online artist profile

Prepare and upload 5 images in total

3 images of your work

1 image of your studio/work space (system requires this image to have a value, please allocate/label it as $1)

1 image of your booth/display

Submit a $35 USD non-refundable application fee

Complete online application and submit it here before midnight (CST) on May 8, 2019

Online Application Assistance
For an additional fee, one of our preferred professional photographers will update, digitalize and format photos for your One of a Kind application through Zapplication. Please contact them directly at:

Jury Notification
Notification of your jury status will be emailed to you at the end of May and posted on your profile through Zapplication. Please do not call.

Accepted artists will receive an acceptance email including a contract, booth payment schedule and additional show information via email. Partial payment (1st payment of 4) is due with the contract no later than 2 weeks after receiving your acceptance notification.

I have read and agree to the specified terms and conditions set forth in the One of a Kind Show & Sale® application. I understand that Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. reserves the right to reject any and all applications at any time, EVEN AFTER ACCEPTANCE, for any reason or no reason at all. I understand upon approval of my application, I will receive a lease from Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc., except in instances where the lease is denied prior to the One of a Kind Show & Sale®, all payments are non-refundable. I understand that by providing this information and making these choices, I have consented to MMPI contacting me by phone, fax, mail or email about MMPI services or events related to the event or service for which I am registering